Laser induction of graphene onto lignin-upgraded flexible polymer matrix

Abstract Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has been demonstrated for various applications on a variety of rigid and flexible substrates such as wood, polyimide films and DVD disks. Here we report LIG produced from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) using a commercially available scribing laser. Marginal addition of lignin into PDMS enables the formation of LIG from this lignin upgraded PDMS film while preserving its stretchable nature. Increasing lignin concentration in PDMS matrix leads to better multi-layered LIG. Lower laser trace speeds also result in higher quality porous LIG structures. To demonstrate the application for flexible electronics, the LIG was deployed as a pressure sensor.